Digging puppy

[2blackdogs]

Ok - I know what the normal solutions to this common problem are. Try putting his own waste in the holes. Use Cayenne Pepper or Chili pepper in holes. Get the "no digging" spray. I have tried all those things. Now, its been raining a lot so none of that stuff is really staying on the ground long either. Any other ideas? If we catch him in the act, what is the proper response? You can't call him away and get mad at him. You can't resort to physical violence. What can you do? Any suggestions??????? He will do this even if he's had lots of exercise. He normally will do this if he's left out in the yard alone. However, when we call him to come in (before he's dug obviously), he sometimes just wants to lay on the deck and sleep. He doesn't want to come in. Then, when you think he's calmly sleeping outside, he'll turn around and dig! He's not neglected, he's not asking to come in, I don't know what to do! HELP!

[Spiritus]

If you want him to learn not to dig, you need to be with him to teach him. If you can't be outside with him, then too bad if he doesn't want to come in - he comes in. A sharp "ah-AH" is usually enough to stop a puppy from what he's doing. Use it, and when he looks at you, call him, then praise him for coming. Digging can come from boredom - he wants something to do, so he's doing it. The only way you can teach him otherwise it to be with him. When he comes to you, throw a toy, give him SOMETHING else to do... each and every time you catch him.

[keekers]

lucy digs whens shes bored so we have been taking LONG walks (on a leash of course) daily to poop her out & that really helps with any negative behavior. the one rainy day we couldnt walk her she was bouncing off the walls. now we do it regardless of weather (ugh for us) & its good for us all.

[ewarp]

Simple: Don't leave him in the yard alone. If he's experiencing a behavior problem outside, you need to be out there with him to alter his behavior. Like Spiritus said, too bad, he's coming in. Besides, it's not neccesarily a good idea to let your dog make all the decisions about when he wants out and when he wants in.

Try providing a sandbox area as an appropriate place to dig.

Also, why is he digging? Is he bored? Is he looking for a cool place to lay down? Is he burying his toys? Sprays and poop in the hole are topical treatments- they treat the symptom, not the cause. Yes, they can help, but why is this behavior occuring in the first place?

[Kat]

I have two dogs who like to dig. While they're not allowed to dig in 'designated' areas (as in or around anything I plant), they are allowed to dig in special areas like the sandbox that was mentioned before. I second the notion of finding out why your puppy digs. Generally, I offer an alternative after the 'no' or 'ahem' - pointing them to the appropriate spot.